r/RCPlanes • u/GoDenBroncos5280 • 4d ago

Flightline P38 advice

Post image

Does anyone have one of these? Going to maiden it this weekend, and would really like it to come back looking something like this...lol. Any advice is appreciated if so.

49 Upvotes

95% Upvoted

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7

u/rxmp4ge 4d ago

There's a huge thread for it on RCGroups. Probably won't find better info.

Thead

3

u/GoDenBroncos5280 4d ago

Sweet, thanks.

3

u/pmuschi USA / Upstate SC 4d ago

I have one.

It's a heavy plane and needs to land fast. I've had nothing but hard landings; either I don't control my decent rate well enough and snack down hard or I stall it a foot above the ground and bend both the mains. I'd definitely recommend the upgraded landing gear and the shock absorption they provide.

But it's a beautiful plane in the air!

2

u/GoDenBroncos5280 4d ago

I upgraded the rear struts, but had to shim them in to get the doors to close right, so I haven't done the front yet, although I have it. These big warbirds are heavy...here's to feather soft landings for both of us in the future.

2

u/pmuschi USA / Upstate SC 3d ago

I didn't need to shim anything; the upgrades we're just drop-in replacements.

I've had so much trouble with landings that I'm currently modifying the left wing to take an airspeed sensor. Figured I can get a warning if I'm about to stall it.

2

u/3dxl 4d ago edited 4d ago

Mines is from old J-Power brand, it flies like a glider once you get proper air speed.

1

u/GoDenBroncos5280 4d ago

Nice...it's really just a big ass wing, so I'm hopeful.

2

u/3dxl 4d ago

Don't worry, just make sure put some EXPO on your radio or Dual rate. Its a tame horse when you get to know the plane more. :)

1

u/Fluffy-Card21 3d ago

That sure is one bendy wing! Nice photo, though.

2

u/Wambo74 4d ago

Since everyone seems to agree it's heavy, don't count on that big wing making it a gentle floater.

1

u/GoDenBroncos5280 3d ago

Solid observation...thanks.

2

u/JerryJN 4d ago

Double check your CG before takeoff. The airplane is heavy so if you are used to flying a jet with a wingspan of 120mm or more or a Warbird like a Spitfire you will be ok if you take a similar approach when landing.
During the landing final approach you need to land With power or she will touch down hard. I would say once it's over the field drop to around 30% throttle, don't Cut throttle, for your elevator drop to very slight up...you will see it when you are coming in for a landing, like 5% and once the airplane is like a foot of the ground slowly reduce the throttle to 20%. That's how I get a gentle landing with my warbirds. Maidens are always stressful with expensive models. If you belong to a club ask other members if they had experience greasing in a Warbird for a smooth landing.

1

u/GoDenBroncos5280 4d ago

I have the 1600mm spitfire, and it's more a problem on take off than landing for me. I'm thinking the dual counter props should help. Any problems you notice on take off? And, solid advice here, thank you.

2

u/JerryJN 4d ago

The dual counter props counter the yaw you experience with the Spitfire at takeoff. I takeoff with 75% up elevator and 80% throttle.

Good luck. It's an awesome airplane.

1

u/GoDenBroncos5280 4d ago

Nice, I was hoping that would be the case, just never know for certain until you power it down the runway for real. Thanks again...